Best Defender?

[Alka]

With Brett Goodes out for the season I need to complete my defense this week. Who will be the best D6?

Currently already have: Goddard, Heppell, Hibberd, Gibbs, Hanley, Goodes (Thurlow, Clisby)

The fact most of the obvious options were average at best last week makes this particularly tough.

[Jigsaw]

Trent McKenzie. Consistent as they come and can go bang at any moment. Unique as well.

I brought him in a few weeks ago myself and never looked back...

[its me lads]

I grabbed the cannon a few weeks ago because he's really consistent but can still bang good hundreds.

[essendon2]

I honestly don't like any DEF this year besides Goddard and Heppell.


I'd go Enright, Cannon or Henderson

[Alka]

I honestly don't like any DEF this year besides Goddard and Heppell.


I'd go Enright, Cannon or Henderson

Yeah definitely, seems the Bombers boys are the only safe ones. Shame Goodes had to get injured, was looking better than most of these "premos".

Thanks so far guys, good comments. GCS's finals run makes McKenzie mighty tempting. No love for Malceski though? He was probably my 2nd favourite of that lot.

[Capper]

Have a look at Ibbo's draw. He will go through the roof

[nrich102]

Mckenzie or Enright I think

[Flame]

I'm thinking Eski or Ibbo. Eski has a harder draw though.

[Adamant]

Jack Grimes - he'll probably be a top 6 defender from here on in, and he's the cheapest at 360k.

[Alka]

Jack Grimes - he'll probably be a top 6 defender from here on in, and he's the cheapest at 360k.

Do you really think so? I had him before the injury and wasn't entirely impressed.
His score on the weekend wasn't great, and vs Geelong he only had 13 touches.
Besides I'd be in no rush to bring in a player from such a struggling team.

I should also clarify, cash is no issue. I just want to put the most points on the board.

[Windigo]

Enright is the safe choice. McKenzie for something different & Grimes only if you can't afford any other option...

[Adamant]

Jack Grimes - he'll probably be a top 6 defender from here on in, and he's the cheapest at 360k.

Do you really think so? I had him before the injury and wasn't entirely impressed.
His score on the weekend wasn't great, and vs Geelong he only had 13 touches.
Besides I'd be in no rush to bring in a player from such a struggling team.

I should also clarify, cash is no issue. I just want to put the most points on the board.

Why did you put Grimes on the list then? :P

I'd probably bet on Enright to score the most points here on in though, so go him for safety.

[Alka]

Because I'm interested in others thoughts. That's just my opinion, but I could be wrong (if I wasn't I'd be doing a hell of a lot better in DT!), and can always change my mind. I'm interested to know why you think he'll be top 6.

[jamfrank]

I'd steer clear of ibbo. I reckon he's returning to the 60-70 player he used to be. He had a great run. Honestly, I think the absence of mcpharlin as the defensive general is hurting his scores, and hurting fremantle's defensive structure. I wouldn't expect to see mcpharlin back until finals as he is such an important player and won't be risked. The old 2012 ibbo is back and he won't maintain his 95 average.

Malceski is a no go for me. Too inconsistent despite some big scores. Burnt me badly last year.

Enright is the safe option, definitely. Very consistent. But on the pricier side of defenders, and not immune to putting out a 60.

Henderson is the unique pick, and hence carries a lot of risk. Could start to be tagged as he can score off half back. However at under 400k, and with a very low BE, he represents great value IMO, as if he starts to reduce his output, he should still make you a profit if you move him on in time (back to Hanley when he returns).

Grimes is an interesting one. He represents great value also as a player toted as a top 6 defender at the start of the year. Just think he is building up his confidence still after a long bout of injury. I'd like to see him pump out some good scores before jumping on. If you're feeling risky, maybe he's not a bad buy, as the wait and see approach will end up costing you more for grimes.

One defender to keep an eye on IMO is Ellis. Scores suffered a bit after his injury, but if he goes decent against the swannies, he might be back to the kind of form that saw him pump out a 153 earlier in the year. Richmond are playing with some real confidence, and that could only help Ellis' scoring. Keep an eye on him.

McKenzie is another reasonably consistent defender. I'd hazard to say (without looking at the numbers) that he's relatively unique as well. Could be a nice pod. Suns run is pretty good and they could be in for a few more wins. Definitely an option to consider.

Personally, with sufficient cover in Ellis on my bench, I'm going to take the risky option in Henderson, as even if he starts spudding, I should still make a bit of cash if I choose to trade him out for Hanley when he returns.

[Alka]

Jack Grimes - he'll probably be a top 6 defender from here on in, and he's the cheapest at 360k.

Looks like this is a factor now with Hanley out. Ideally I'd want McKenzie + Enright I think, but can't afford both, so it's likely I'll have to bring in Grimes after all. Here's hoping you're right and I'm wrong!